NM Regulators Approve Natural Gas Power Plant

New Mexico – SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KRWG) New Mexico regulators have given their approval for El Paso Electric to build an 81-megawatt natural gas-fueled power plant near Sunland Park.

The $85 million project will serve about 50,000 customers in the Las Cruces and El Paso, Texas, area once it is complete. Construction is expected to take about two years.

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission voted 3-2 Thursday to approve an order for the utility to build the plant.

PRC Chairman Patrick Lyons voted in favor of the project. He says the plant will bring much needed electricity to one of the state's fastest growing areas.

The commission was the last of three entities whose approval was required to move the project forward. Approval was previously granted by state environment officials and the Texas Public Utility Commission.